The Best of Spain & Portugal

The Best of Spain & Portugal

DAY
1 Arrive in Madrid, Spain Check into
your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax or start exploring Madrid.
Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

DAY
2Madrid–Toledo–Granada Drive south to
Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the
Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital attracts more visitors from around
the world than any other Spanish town. Visit the walled Old Town with a Local
Guide and marvel at the 12th century CHURCH OF ST. TOME, known for its
large-format painting by El Greco of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Later,
cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves that dot
the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history steeped Granada at the foot
of the Sierra Nevada. Breakfast Dinner

DAY
3Granada–Loja Montilla–Cordoba Granada was the Arabs’ most treasured city, and
they still mourn its loss in their prayers. With a Local Guide, visit the
ALHAMBRA COMPLEX, built by Moorish kings. More grand scenery this afternoon as
you travel to Loja. Captured and held by the Moors, it was formerly known as
Medina Lawsa until it was recaptured by the Christians in 1486 during the
Reconquista. Explore this “flower among thorns” before reaching Montilla to
visit a local WINE CELLAR and taste some of its wine. Then, continue to Cordoba
on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.

DAY
4Cordoba–Ecija–Seville Visit Ecija, an
ancient town in the Andalusian countryside. On to vibrant, festive
Seville. Breakfast Dinner

DAY
5Seville Get to know Seville on the
included city tour. Capital of Andalusia and the cultural and financial center
of southern Spain, colorful Seville has much to offer: the Cathedral of
Seville, the third-largest church in the world after St. Peter’s in Rome and
St. Paul’s in London; the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of
Seville; the Real Alcázar palace with its extravagant architecture and opulent
gardens; Plaza de España, used in the filming of Episodes I and II in the Star
Wars trilogy; and so much more.

DAY
6Seville–Evora, Portugal–Lisbon Enjoy
the scenery of the Sierra de Aracena before crossing into Portugal and the
fertile plains of the Alentejo. Admire the forest of cork trees and make a stop
to visit Evora, a delightfully attractive Moorish city with arches, alleys,
flower-decked balconies, brilliant white houses, and the Temple of Diana.
Continue to Lisbon.

DAY 7Lisbon Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th century “Mistress of the Seas.”
You’ll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive
Black Horse Square, and other highlights on the guided sightseeing tour. Spend
the afternoon at leisure in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets, and take an
our included excursion along the Estoril Coast to Cascais and Sintra.

DAY
8Lisbon–Fátima–Coimbra–Oporto Stop in
Fátima to visit its world-famous SHRINE, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue
to Coimbra, known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to
Oporto on the northern bank of the Douro River. For the perfect way to round
out your day, why not join an optional Douro River cruise and dinner?

DAY
9Oporto Discover Oporto’s highlights
on the guided city tour. See its historical cathedral, overlooking the Port
wine cellars along the banks of the Douro River. This afternoon, maybe join an
optional excursion to Guimarães, considered the “cradle” of Portugal and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, enjoy the included dinner at a local
restaurant. Breakfast Dinner

DAY
10Oporto–Salamanca, Spain Enjoy the
profusion of woodlands and mountains on your return to Spain via the scenic
Douro Valley. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in
the early evening and maybe take a stroll in the Plaza Mayor.

DAY
11 Salamanca–Avila–Segovia–Madrid
Journey to fortified Avila with its many towers and visit ST. THERESA’S
CONVENT before continuing to Segovia, a medieval town picturesquely set on a
rocky hill. Spend some time in Segovia before crossing the boundary between new
and old Castile to arrive in Madrid.

DAY
12Madrid Not only is it the capital of
Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say
Madrid is the nearest thing to Heaven. The day is dedicated to discover
Madrid’s main highlights on the included guided city tour.

DAY
13 Madrid Escorted 1/2 day city tour of
Madrid visiting the city highlights including the Botanic Garden and Templo de
Debod. Evening diner and flamenco show
included with private transfers to and from hotel. Day 14 Check out and private
group transfer to airport.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.